The Evolution of Wheelchair Technology 

Mobility is more than movement — it’s the foundation of independence, confidence, and life’s adventures. For millions of people with limited mobility, the evolution of wheelchair technology has opened doors to freedom, new opportunities, and a connected world.  

Come along as we explore the remarkable journey of wheelchair innovation, from its earliest forms to the cutting-edge devices of today, and look ahead to the exciting future of mobility solutions. 

The story of wheelchair technology begins centuries ago, with people’s first attempts to create wheeled mobility devices for those unable to walk. 

First Known Use 

It is impossible to say when people started using wheelchairs. We do know the first depiction of a wheelchair was carved into stone in China in about 525 C.E. If you’re ever in Kansas, you can see the carving at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Other mobility devices are recorded through subsequent centuries. These include wheelbarrows used by the Crusaders in the 1100s to transport cargo and the sick and injured, and a painting created around 1320 of a disabled child transported on a wooden board with handles on one side and a large wheel on the other. 

Notable Early Designs 

The first notable wheelchair was built in 1595. It had metal bars, an adjustable back using notches, leg rests, and four small wheels. It was created for King Philip of Spain when gout and arthritis made it difficult to walk.  

In 1655, German watchmaker Stephan Farfler invented a cart with a steering wheel and crank handle to power a front wheel. Farfler was paraplegic, the result of a childhood fall. His invention gave him mobility and independence, but it is notable for two other reasons — it is the first self-propelled vehicle in history and the forerunner of the bicycle. 

At about the time Farfler invented his mobility device, the commander-in-chief of Parliament’s Armies during the English Civil War, Sir Thomas Fairfax, began using a wheelchair after sustaining many battle wounds. The ornate chair had a stability wheel at the back and two in the front connected to hand-operated levers for steering. The wheelchair can be viewed at the UK’s National Civil War Centre in the Newark Museum. 

Around 1750, inventor James Heath created the Bath Chair to ferry visitors around the popular English spa town. The seat had C springs and a steering tiller at the front. It was pushed along by a handle at the back.  

By 1851, several wheelchair designs were on display at England’s Great Exhibition, including John Ward’s reclining chair, now part of Sir Henry Wellcome’s Museum Collection. 

The 1900s marked a turning point. Increased demand after the American Civil War, wheelchair technology advancements, and mass production made wheelchairs more accessible and practical. 

Three significant breakthroughs include: 

• The small FDR wheelchair: Franklin D. Roosevelt used a custom wheelchair he designed from a dining chair with bicycle wheels. Standard wheelchairs in the 1930s were bulky and impractical. His design allowed him to navigate tight spaces and move with ease in public settings when most buildings were not wheelchair accessible. 

• The folding wheelchair: Everest & Jennings (E&J) was the first company to mass-produce wheelchairs, starting with a folding model designed in 1932 by Harry Jennings for his friend Herbert Everest. Their lightweight, tubular steel wheelchairs revolutionized mobility and became the industry standard. 

• Sports wheelchairs: With the rise of adaptive sports in the later 1900s, the E&J wheelchair was unsuitable for basketball and racing. So, athletes improved its stability and maneuverability. The best lightweight wheelchairs now use titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum, empowering users to compete and stay active. 

Electric wheelchairs work by using rechargeable batteries to power electric motors that drive the wheels and move the chair forward. Powered wheelchairs transformed the landscape for users with limited upper body strength or dexterity in the following ways: 

• The first electric wheelchairs of the 1950s and 60s used car batteries and simple controls, offering newfound independence. 

• Key innovations like joystick controls and improved battery technology made wheelchairs easier to use and more reliable. 

• Electric wheelchairs became available in a range of models, meeting diverse needs and lifestyles. 

• When compared to electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs are more affordable and require upper-body strength for movement. The electric wheelchair is easier to use for people with limited strength and mobility.  

Today’s wheelchairs are a testament to the power of technology and user-driven design, offering unprecedented levels of independence, comfort, and versatility. 

What Is a Power Chair? 

Power chairs are electric or motorized wheelchairs designed for people who find it difficult to walk or use a manual wheelchair. They have electric motors, are controlled by a joystick, and offer users greater independence and the ability to navigate various environments. Power chairs can be designed for specific needs like travel or easy outdoor use, even on bumpy curbs. 

Lightweight Materials 

Engineering advances have introduced frames of aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber, dramatically reducing the weight of wheelchairs. These materials increase a chair’s longevity and make it easier to maneuver and transport. A lightweight electric wheelchair makes travel more convenient, allowing you to visit places that would be challenging to go with a traditional manual chair. 

Customization 

One of the greatest benefits of electric wheelchairs is customization. Users can tailor their devices to their unique needs and preferences for optimal comfort and usability. Popular customization options include: 

• Adjustable seating systems 

• Specialized cushions 

• Custom armrests 

• Storage options 

• Programmable controls 

This level of personalization helps users feel more connected to their device and supports better daily function. 

All-Terrain Options 

All-terrain and off-road wheelchairs feature rugged tires, advanced suspension systems, and powerful motors. Users can confidently explore parks, trails, beaches, and other challenging environments. This innovation opens up new possibilities for adventure and outdoor activities. 

Smart Technology 

Features like Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps allow users to control their chair, monitor battery life, and even receive maintenance alerts. Navigation aids like obstacle detection and GPS enhance safety and independence, while voice controls and cloud-based diagnostics are making wheelchairs more intuitive and responsive. 

The evolution of wheelchair technology is about more than mobility — it empowers users to live life on their terms, with greater confidence, convenience, and connection to the world around them. 

Technological advances have gone hand in hand with social progress, making the world more accessible and inclusive by changing: 

• Legislation: Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have mandated accessible public spaces and transportation, driving innovation in wheelchair design. 

• Public access: Improvements in building codes and transit systems have made it easier for wheelchair users to navigate airports, cities, and their local communities. 

• Adaptive sports and community: The growth of adaptive sports, inclusive activities, and affordable electric wheelchairs has fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment for wheelchair users. 

The next chapter in wheelchair evolution promises even greater possibilities, blending robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Look out for: 

• Self-driving features and intelligent navigation that make mobility safer and more intuitive. 

• Advances in battery life and eco-friendly materials to support longer journeys and reduce environmental impact. 

• Fully customized wheelchairs, tailored to each user’s body and preferences using 3D printing. 

• Integration of exoskeletons and hybrid devices that offer new forms of mobility, combining the best of wheelchairs and wearable robotics. 

From ancient wheeled chairs to today’s smart, customizable power chairs, the evolution of wheelchair technology has been a journey of empowerment and innovation. As we look to the future, ongoing advancements will continue to break down barriers and expand possibilities for people with limited mobility. 

Ready to experience the next generation of wheelchair technology? Discover how WHILL’s innovative power chairs can help you move with greater confidence and independence — schedule a test-drive or find a retailer near you.